A method for manufacturing a product according to a production plan

ABSTRACT

A method for manufacturing a product according to a production plan includes a plurality of production steps. The method includes providing a plurality of production modules, for each production step of the plurality of production steps, independently executing a negotiation process for selecting a production module, and disposing the selected production modules, each selected for performing one of the production steps, for performing the plurality of production steps. The negotiation process includes designating production modules that are capable of performing the production step, assigning module parameters to the designated production modules, calculating a cost for each of the designated production modules based on the module parameters of the respective production module, and selecting one of the designated production modules as a function of the calculated cost.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent document is a § 371 nationalization of PCT Application Serial Number PCT/EP2015/053936 filed on Feb. 25, 2015 which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments relate to a manufacturing facility and a method for manufacturing a product according to a production plan including a plurality of production steps.

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing demand for adaptable production systems that allow for fast extension, downsizing of production lines, seamless substitution of production resources and the shift from mass production towards mass customization. Key performance indicators such as production time, throughput, re-configuration time and resource utilization may be improved.

SUMMARY AND DESCRIPTION

The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary. The present embodiments may obviate one or more of the drawbacks or limitations in the related art.

Embodiments provide a method that allows for a dynamic interaction of different production modules based on negotiation mechanisms.

According to an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a product according to a production plan includes a plurality of production steps. The method includes providing a plurality of production modules for each production act. A negotiation process is independently executed for selecting a production module. The process includes designating production modules that are capable of performing the production step, assigning module parameters to the designated production modules, calculating a cost for each of the designated production modules based on the module parameters of the respective production module, selecting one of the designated production modules as a function of the calculated cost, and disposing the selected production modules. Each designation production module is selected for performing one of the plurality of production steps.

The time and computing capacity required for determining a proper set of production modules may be reduced by independently executing the negotiation process for each of the production steps.

Each of the plurality of production step may include one or more production services. A production service refers to any kind of operation that may be required for manufacturing a product. Those production modules that are able to perform all production services of the production step are designated at the beginning of the negotiation process. The production modules may perform one or more production services that include a physical, chemical, mechanical, biological and/or electrical operation or a combination thereof. For example, a production service may include joining, welding, soldering, drilling, milling, cutting, assembling, depositing, deforming, heating, cooling, arranging, stacking, separating, etc.

A production plan may relate to a plan for a future production, in which required production resources, e.g. facilities, raw materials, production modules, etc., are determined and arranged.

The production plan may relate to a plan that indicates production steps required for manufacturing a product. The production plan may be provided as a listing of production steps that are required to be performed in a specific order in order to manufacture a product. The production plan may be formed as an array, a list, a table, a schedule, a register, a data sheet and/or a catalog and, for example, provided in an electronic data carrier.

Each of the production steps may include one or more production services including, for example, joining, welding, soldering, drilling, milling, cutting, assembling, depositing, deforming, heating, cooling, arranging, stacking, separating, etc.

Production modules that are capable of performing the production service(s) may be instantiated by a mill, drill, welding device, solder device, robot arm, mold, press, etc.

Properties of the designated production modules that may be relevant for any of the production steps are termed “operation parameters”. The operation parameters may include an energy and/or power consumption, operation costs, a required duration for performing the production service and/or actual characteristics including a temperature, an operating time, a workload, a wear. Furthermore, the operation parameters may include a quality, a precision, an accuracy and/or an error rate.

The module parameters are a subset of the operation parameters that are relevant for the production step for which the negotiation process is executed. The module parameters may be specified by the production plan and/or the respective production steps and vary over time.

During the negotiation process, the module parameters of the designated modules and requirements from the production plan may be converted into a combined parameter having a uniform dimension and/or unit. The combined parameter is termed cost. The cost is calculated for each of the designated production modules based on the module parameters. For example, each of the module parameters may be multiplied by an individual weighting factor. Depending on the production step, different weighting factors may be applied to the module parameters. For example, if a fast performance is more important than an energy saving performance for a specific production step, the required duration may be multiplied by a higher weighting factor than the energy consumption for the calculation of the cost.

The calculated cost may differ among the designated production modules. For example, the designated production module with a lowest calculated cost or with a calculated cost that is within a specific range may be selected during the negotiation process. “As a function” may be interpreted as meaning “based on”, “in dependence of” or “by help of” for example.

Disposing the selected production modules may include, for example, positioning the selected production modules to respective production sites, powering up the selected production modules and/or connecting the selected production modules to an assembly line.

According to an embodiment, the method further includes manufacturing the product by performing the plurality of production steps according to the production plan where each selected production module performs the corresponding production step.

After the selected production modules are disposed for performing the production steps, the selected production modules perform the production steps in order to manufacture the product according to the production plan.

The production plan may include a production order in which the plurality of production steps is to be performed. Accordingly, an order of the selected production modules that perform the production steps needs to be configured to the production order of the production plan.

According to a further embodiment, the method further includes splitting the plurality of production steps into single production steps and simultaneously executing a plurality of negotiation processes. Each of a plurality of negotiation processes is executed for each single production step.

The plurality of negotiation processes are executed independently and simultaneously. Splitting the plurality of production steps into single production steps may be performed using a multiplexer device.

According to a further embodiment, the method further includes assigning a production time-limit to the production plan. Designating production modules includes designating production modules that are capable of performing the production step within the production time limit.

The production time-limit may be a latest time point for manufacturing the product. Each of the production modules may regularly self-subscribe an availability, e.g. a time interval in which the module parameter is expected to be idle, e.g. has no production service to perform. Only those production modules having an availability within the production time-limit may be designated.

According to a further embodiment, the method further includes assigning at least one partial time-limit to at least one of the plurality of production steps. Designating production modules includes designating production modules that are capable of performing the production step within the partial time-limit.

At least one production step of the production plan may be a time-limited production step, e.g. the production step is performed within the partial time-limit. During the negotiation process for the time-limited production step, only those production modules that are capable of performing the production service(s) required for the time-limited production step within the partial time-limit may be designated.

According to a further embodiment, the negotiation process further includes outputting a failure if no production module is designated.

According to a further embodiment, the production plan has a maximum cost, and the negotiation process further includes outputting a failure if the calculated cost for the designated production modules exceeds the maximum cost. Outputting a failure may include generating a failure message, flag, signal or the like in a computer system.

In addition to the plurality of production steps, the production plan may include one or more requirements for performing the production steps, e.g. the production time-limit, the partial time-limit(s) and/or a maximum cost. A failure may be output from the negotiation process, if no production modules are found that match the requirements from the production plan.

According to a further embodiment, the method further includes altering the production time-limit and/or the partial time-limit if the negotiation process outputs a failure.

According to a further embodiment, the method further includes withdrawing the production plan if the negotiation process outputs a failure.

If none of the plurality of production modules are capable of performing the production step, for example within the production time-limit and/or the partial time-limit according to the production plan, a failure may be output from the negotiation process. The production plan may be modified e.g. by altering, for example by prolonging and/or shifting, the production and/or partial time-limit. The negotiation process is executed with respect to the altered production time-limit and/or the altered partial time-limit.

Alternatively or additionally, the production plan may be withdrawn if a failure is output from the negotiation process. For example, a temporarily occupied memory and/or a busy computing capacity that is used for executing the negotiation process might be cleared by withdraw of the production plan.

A further embodiment includes selecting a designated production module having a minimum calculated cost.

The calculation of the cost may be modified by adjusting the weighting factors for each of the module parameters. Accordingly, the calculation of the cost may be modified in such a way that, for example, the best conditions for performing the production step is given by the designated production module having the minimum calculated cost.

According to a further embodiment, the method further includes providing, by the plurality of production modules, an availability and module parameters of each of the plurality of production modules.

Each of the plurality of production modules may be configured to communicate and/or submit an availability and module parameters, for example, to a control unit. For example, the control unit may be configured to execute a plurality of negotiation processes. For example, the control unit may include an agent platform, a data processing unit and/or a processor.

According to a further embodiment, at least one production module is selected and/or disposed for performing a plurality of production steps of a production plan.

One or more production modules may be selected and disposed for performing multiple production steps of the production plan. For example, a loop or an appropriate transportation mechanism may be required.

In an embodiment, a manufacturing facility is suggested. The manufacturing facility includes a plurality of production modules, a production input and a control unit. Each of the plurality of production modules includes an assigned set of module parameters. The production input is configured to receive a production plan for manufacturing a product. The production plan includes a plurality of production steps. Each of the production steps is constituted by at least one production service. The control unit is configured to execute a plurality of negotiation processes. Each negotiation process is executed for selecting one of the plurality of production modules for performing a production step. Each of the plurality of production modules is configured to submit the own set of module parameters to the control unit. The selected production modules are configured to manufacture the product by performing the plurality of production steps.

The manufacturing facility may be configured for manufacturing the product by applying the aforementioned method. For example, the control unit executes one or more negotiation processes according to the negotiation process of the method described above. The production modules of the manufacturing facilities may correspond to the production modules of the method described above. The production steps and the production services correspond to the production steps and the production services of the aforementioned method.

The manufacturing facility provides production resources in terms of the plurality of production modules. The control unit may include an electronic data processing unit, for example, a computer, an integrated-circuit chip and/or a processor.

Furthermore, the production modules may include auxiliary production modules that may perform auxiliary production services, e.g. transportation, supply and/or storage that are not included as production steps in the production plan.

According to a further embodiment, the manufacturing facility further includes a multiplexer device. The multiplexer device is configured to split the plurality of production steps of the production plan into single production steps. The multiplexer device is configured for feed the single production steps to the control unit.

The multiplexer device may be connected between the production input and the control unit and configured to convert the plurality of production steps from the input production plan into single production steps and feed the single production steps to the control unit that may be configured to execute the plurality of negotiation processes simultaneously and independently from each other. Each of the plurality of negotiation processes is executed for selecting one production module for performing one of the single production step.

According to a further embodiment, the control unit is configured to execute the plurality of negotiation processes according to a double auction.

A double auction is a process of buying and selling goods at a virtual market place, where potential buyers and potential sellers simultaneously submit the requests and offers, respectively. During the double auction, both buyers and sellers may adapt the requests and offers, respectively. All participants are informed about a current status on the market, without individual preferences, e.g. request and offer limits, of each participant disclosed.

In terms of the double auction, the negotiation process may include the production steps as the potential buyers and the production modules as the potential sellers. The production steps submit the requests, separated by the multiplexer device, to the control unit that acts as the market. At the same time, the production modules submit the module parameters, that may be regarded as the offers in terms of the double auction, to the control unit. The cost is calculated in order to adapt the dimensions of the offers to that of the requests.

Alternatively or additionally, the principle of a continuous auction may be applied, hence allowing the requests by the production steps and/or the offers from the production modules may be varied during the negotiation process.

The respective entity, e.g. the processing entity, may be implemented in hardware and/or in software. The entity may be embodied as a device, e.g. as a computer or as a processor or as a part of a system, e.g. a computer system. The entity may be embodied as a computer program product, as a function, as a routine, as a program code or as an executable object.

It is understood that the sequence of the steps of the method disclosed here is not binding but may be interchanged.

In an embodiment, a computer program product including a program code for executing the above-described method for manufacturing a product according to a production plan including a plurality of production steps, when run on at least one computer is provided.

A computer program product, such as a computer program, may be embodied as a memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD or as a file that may be downloaded from a server in a network. For example, such a file may be provided by transferring the file including the computer program product from a wireless communication network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram illustrating a system for selecting one production module for performing one production step of a production plan according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of a manufacturing facility.

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic view of competing production modules for a manufacturing site according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic view of competing auxiliary modules for a transportation site according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a product.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a product according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts a diagram illustrating a system 1 for selecting one production module for performing one production step of a production plan.

A method for manufacturing a product according to a production plan 2 including a plurality of production steps 2 ₁-2 _(N) is described by referring to the blocks of the flow chart of FIG. 6. The method may be configured to be performed as a routine, for example, implemented a computer program.

The system 1 includes the production plan 2, a plurality of production modules 3, a production input 4, a multiplexer device 5 and a control unit 6 (e.g., a controller).

The production plan 2 includes N production steps 2 ₁-2 _(N). The production plan 2 may be provided as a listing of production steps 2 ₁-2 _(N) that are to be performed in a specific order in order to manufacture a product. The production plan 2 may include a production time-limit T_(prod) before which the product is to be manufacture. At least one of the production steps 2 ₁-2 _(N) may include a partial time-limit T_(part,i) before which the respective production step 2 _(i) is to be performed. In addition, the production plan 2 may include a maximum cost C_(max).

The production plan may be formed as an array, a list, a table, a schedule, a register, a data sheet and/or a catalog and, for example, provided in an electronic data carrier. Each of the production steps 2 ₁-2 _(N) may include one or more production services. For example, one of the production services may include joining, welding, soldering, drilling, milling, cutting, assembling, depositing, deforming, heating, cooling, arranging, stacking, separating, etc.

The production plan 2 is input via a production input 4. For example, the production input 4 may include a user interface and provide an input device. The production input 4 may be configured to transform the production plan 2 into a machine language and/or programming language that is compatible with the control unit 6. The production input 4 evaluates and transmits the production plan 2 to the multiplexer device 5.

At act S₃, the multiplexer device splits the N production steps 2 ₁-2 _(N) of the production plan 2 into N single production steps 2 _(S1)-2 _(SN) and feeds the steps to the control unit 6.

The control unit 6 receives the single production steps 2 _(S1)-2 _(SN) from the multiplexer device 5 and determines what production services are to be provided for performing each of the single production steps 2 _(S1)-2 _(SN). At act S₄, the control unit 6 initiates a negotiation process for each of the single production steps 2 _(S1)-2 _(SN). In total, N negotiation processes P₁-P_(N) are simultaneously executed for N single production steps. The N negotiation processes P₁-P_(N) are executed independently from one another. Each negotiation process P₁-P_(N) is executed for selecting one production module out of the plurality of production modules 3 for performing the respective production step.

A negotiation process is a process of finding a matching offer for a given request and/or vice versa. For example, a negotiation process may be executed for finding a matching production module for a given production step and/or vice versa.

The negotiation processes P₁-P_(N) may be performed according to the principles of the double auction, as described above. Accordingly, the negotiation processes P₁-P_(N) may integrate the production steps 2 ₁-2 _(N) as potential buyers and a plurality of production modules 3 as potential sellers. Each of the production steps 2 ₁-2 _(N) may include individual requirements, for example, including the production and partial time limits T_(prod), T_(part). The plurality of production steps 2 ₁-2 _(N), separated by the multiplexer device, are submitted independently from each other to the control unit 6 that acts as a market. At the same time, the production modules 3 ₁-3 _(M) submit the operation parameters OP, from which the sets of module parameters are extracted and the costs calculated. The calculated cost may be regarded as the offer in terms of the double auction.

Automated negotiation methods that may be suitable for the negotiation process are disclosed in US 2012/0078769 A1 relating to a method involving trading agents. Action methods disclosed in WO 03/067494 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 8,738,462 B2 or U.S. Pat. No. 7,689,463 B1 and references cited therein may be adapted to perform negotiation processes P₁-P_(N) mentioned herein.

The plurality of production modules 3 may, for example, be provided as a pool of M production modules 3 ₁-3 _(M). Each of the production modules 3 ₁-3 _(M) is configured to perform at least one production service. At act S₄₁, the production modules that are capable of performing the single production steps 2 _(S1)-2 _(SN) are designated. For example, in FIG. 2, five production modules 3 a-3 e are designated for the negotiation process for the production step 2 _(i) and become designated production modules 3 _(Da)-3 _(De).

A production module that is capable of performing a specific production step may have the availability that is within or before the partial time-limit of the production step and/or the production time-limit of the production plan and be configured to perform all the production services required for performing the specific production step.

For example, each production module 3 of the plurality of production modules 3 self-submit operation parameters OP (e.g., the availability, energy consumption, operation time requirement, temperature, workload, wear, etc.) to the control unit 6. The production modules 3 ₁-3 _(M) may be communicatively coupled to the control unit 6 and upload the operation parameters to the control unit 6, for example, via a local area network TCP/IP and/or another telecommunication network. Further, each production module 3 of the plurality of production modules 3 may regularly update (e.g., upload and re-write) corresponding operation parameters on the control unit 6.

The negotiation processes P₁-P_(N) may output a failure F if none of the plurality of production modules 3 are capable of performing at least one of the single production steps 2 _(S1)-2 _(SN), for example, if there are no production modules configured for performing the production services required by the single production step and having the availability within or before the production and/or partial time-limit.

A subset of operation parameters OP(2 _(i)) that are relevant for performing the single production step 2 _(i) for which the negotiation process P₁ is initiated may be determined. The subset of operation parameters OP(2 _(i)) determined as a function of the single production step 2 _(i), corresponds to a set of module parameters MP_(i). Accordingly, the set of module parameters MP_(i) for the production step 2 _(i) are a subset of the operation parameters self-submitted by the plurality of production modules 3. In an act S₄₂, the set of module parameters MP_(i) is assigned to the designated production modules 3 _(Da)-3 _(De). Each of the production steps 2 ₁-2 _(N) has a respective set of module parameters MP₁-MP_(N), and the composition of the operation parameters OP may be different in different sets of module parameters MP₁-MP_(N).

During each negotiation process P₁-P_(N), the module parameters MP₁-MP_(N) are converted into a cost C (e.g., a quantity that combines the module parameters MP₁-MP_(N)). At act S₄₃, the cost C is calculated by multiplying each of the module parameters MP₁-MP_(N) with an individual weighting factor W and adding the products up. For example, the cost C may be calculated as

$C = {{W_{t} \cdot \frac{t}{T_{0}}} + {W_{E} \cdot \frac{E}{E_{0}}}}$

where W_(t) and W_(E) are the weighting factors for operation time and energy consumption, respectively, and T₀ and E₀ are scaling values for the operation time and the energy consumption, respectively. t and E are the operation parameters submitted by the module parameters 3 ₁-3 _(M). For example, if a fast performance of a specific production step is more important than an energy saving performance, the weighting factor W_(t) may be increased while the weighting factor W_(E) may be decreased.

For example, the individual weighting factors W may be specified by the production plan 2, the respective single production steps 2 _(S1)-2 _(SN), and/or the control unit 6 and may be variable over time.

A maximum cost C_(max) may be assigned to the production plan 2, indicating a highest acceptable value for the calculated cost. At least one of the negotiation processes P₁-P_(N) may output a failure F in case that the calculated cost C for every designated production modules 3 _(Da)-3 _(De) exceeds the maximum cost C_(max).

Each of the negotiation processes P₁-P_(N) results in either, at act S₄₄, selecting one production module 3 _(S1)-3 _(SN), respectively, for performing the respective single production step 2 ₁-2 _(N) or outputting a failure F. In case a failure F is output, the production plan 2 may be altered, for example, by changing the production time-limit T_(prod), the partial time-limit(s) T_(part1)-T_(partN), and/or the weighting factors W for calculating the cost C.

At act S₅, each of the selected production modules 3 _(S1)-3 _(SN) is disposed for performing the respective single production step 2 _(S1)-2 _(SN).

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a manufacturing facility 7.

In FIG. 2, the steps of the suggested method are described, referring to the blocks of the flow chart of FIG. 6.

The manufacturing facility 7 includes an assembly line 8 that is formed as a loop. The manufacturing facility 7 includes a supply unit 9, a storage unit 10 and at least one pool 11 ₁, 11 ₂ that, at act S₁, provides the plurality of production modules 3 as production resources. The supply unit 9 supplies the assembly line 8 with raw materials M₀ that are required for manufacturing a final product M_(F). The storage unit 10 stores the manufactured final product M_(F).

The assembly line 8 is interrupted at a first junction between first positions 12 ₁, 12 ₂ and at a second junction between second positions 13 ₁, 13 ₂. The assembly line 8 has a flow direction (e.g., a direction in which raw materials, semi-final products, and final products are moved by the assembly line 8). Arrows D indicate the clockwise flow direction of the assembly line 8.

A supply conveyor 14 is pivoted at the first position 12 ₁. In FIG. 2, the supply conveyor 14 is arranged so as to connect the supply 9 to the first position 12 ₁ of the assembly line 8. The raw materials M₀ from the supply unit 9 may be conveyed to the assembly line 8, as indicated by an arrow D9. Alternatively, the supply conveyor 14 may be arranged so as to connect the first positions 12 ₁, 12 ₂ to each other.

A storage conveyer 15 is pivoted at the second position 13 ₁. In FIG. 2, the storage conveyor 15 is arranged so as to connect the second positions 13 ₁, 13 ₂ to each other. Alternatively, the storage conveyor 15 may be arranged so as to connect the storage unit 10 to the second position 13 ₁ of the assembly line 8 in order to convey final products M_(F) from the assembly line 8 to the storage unit 10, as indicated by an arrow D₁₀.

The assembly line 8 includes three manufacturing sites 16 ₁-16 ₃ at which one of selected production modules 3 _(S) may be positioned and disposed for performing a respective production step. A transportation site 17 is located between the manufacturing sites 16 ₁, 16 ₂. An auxiliary module (e.g., transportation module) may be positioned at the transportation site 17 so as to transport the raw materials M₀, semi-final products M₁-M₃, and/or final products M_(F).

The pools 11 ₁, 11 ₂ may contain different sets of production modules and/or be one and the same pool containing one set of production modules. Further, the pool 11 ₁ and/or the pool 11 ₂ may include multiple pools of production modules.

By shaping the assembly line as a loop, as shown in FIG. 2, a limited number of manufacturing sites may be used for performing a greater number of production steps. Although the manufacturing site 8 includes three manufacturing sites 16 ₁-16 ₃ in FIG. 2, a manufacturing facility may include more or fewer manufacturing sites than three. Further, a manufacturing facility may include a plurality of assembly lines that may be operated either separately or connected to each other.

At each of the manufacturing sites 16 ₁-16 ₃, a negotiation process P₁-P₃ may be executed for selecting one production module for performing a production step 2 _(i). During the negotiation process P₁, as described above, four production modules 3 _(Df)-3 _(Di) are designated, as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the four production modules may be instantiated by four different drills having different operation parameters (e.g., different precisions; different tolerances, different operation speeds, different maintain costs, different energy consumptions and/or different workloads).

As a result of the negotiation process P_(i), one of the designated production modules 3 _(Df)-3 _(Di) is selected and disposed for performing the first production step at the manufacturing site 16 ₁. Consequently, the selected production module 3 _(S1) is positioned at the manufacturing site 16 ₁ and is ready for performing the first production step 2 ₁.

The raw material M₀ is delivered from the supply unit 9 via the supply conveyor 14 and the assembly line 8 to the manufacturing site 16 ₁ and undergoes the first production step 2 ₁. After the raw material is processed in the first production step 2 ₁, the raw material M₀ becomes a semi-final product of the first grade M₁.

Additionally, the selected production modules 3 _(S1)-3 _(SN) that perform one of the production steps 2 ₁-2 _(N) may provide and/or add additional raw materials M₀ to a semi-final product.

A negotiation process PT is carried out for a transportation step at the transportation site 17 as well. A plurality of auxiliary modules 18 ₁, 18 ₂ may compete with one another. The plurality of auxiliary modules 18 ₁, 18 ₂ may include, for example, differently shaped conveyor belt sections and/or different transportation options. Further, the plurality of auxiliary modules 18 ₁, 18 ₂ may include conveyor belts and/or transportation options of same shape and size, but having different operation parameters OP. The auxiliary module 18 _(S) selected during the negotiation process PT transports the semi-final product of the first grade M₁ to the manufacturing site 16 ₂.

In FIG. 2, the first and second manufacturing steps 2 ₁, 2 ₂ include the same production services, therefore designating the same set of production modules 3 _(Df)-3 _(Di). However, the selected and disposed production module 3 _(S1), 3 _(S2) for the first and the second production steps may be different, since the availability and/or the module parameters MP₁, MP₂ of the production module 3 _(S1) performing the first production step 2 ₁ may be altered since performing the first production step 2 ₁.

As a result of the negotiation process P₂, one of the designated production modules 3 _(Df)-3 _(Di) is selected and disposed for performing the first production step 2 ₂ at the manufacturing site 16 ₂. Consequently, the selected production module 3 _(S2) is positioned at the manufacturing site 16 ₂ and is ready for performing the second production step 2 ₂. The semi-final product of the second grade M₂ undergoes the second production step 2 ₂ and becomes a semi-final product of the second grade M₂.

The semi-final product of the second grade M₂ is transported along the assembly line 8 to the storage conveyor 15. If at least one more production step 2 ₃-2 _(N) is required to obtain a final product M_(F), the storage conveyor 15 connects the second positions 13 ₁, 13 ₂ of the assembly line 8 to each other in order not to lead the semi-final product of the second grade M₂ to the storage unit 10.

Several production modules 3 _(Dj)-3 _(D1) are designated from the pool 11 ₂ for performing the third production step 2 ₃ at the manufacturing site 16 ₃. For example, the designated production modules 3 _(Dj)-3 _(D1) may be instantiated by different mills. The designated production module matching specific requirements (e.g., having a minimum calculated cost) during the negotiation process P₃ is selected and disposed for performing the third production step 2 ₃ at the manufacturing site 16 ₃.

The semi-final product of the second grade M₂ undergoes the third production step 2 ₃ at the manufacturing site 16 ₃ and becomes a semi-final product of the third grade M₃. Afterwards, the semi-final product of the third grade M₃ moves along with the assembly line 8 and forwarded by the supply conveyor 14 that is arranged so as to connect the first positions 12 ₁, 12 ₂ of the assembly line 8 to each other.

Another negotiation process P₄ is executed and results in another designated production module 3 _(S4) being selected and disposed for performing a fourth production step 2 ₄ at the manufacturing site 16 ₁. If the production plan 2 includes four production steps 2 ₁-2 ₄, i.e. N=4, the semi-final product of the third grade M₃ undergoes the fourth production step 2 ₄ and becomes the final product M_(F). In case that the production plan 2 for manufacturing the final product M_(F) includes more production steps (e.g., N>4), the final product M_(F) is manufactured by running through more production steps 2 ₅-2 _(F) along the loop formed by the assembly line 8.

If the final product M_(F) is manufactured after processing at the manufacturing site 16 ₁, the manufacturing site 16 ₂ may become idle (e.g., no production module is positioned at the manufacturing site 16 ₂) and the final product M_(F) passes through the site without processing.

The transportation site 17 may be unchanged after passing by the semi-product of the first grade M₁, and/or another negotiation process PT may be executed in order to select a new auxiliary module 18 ₁, 18 ₂ for transporting the final product M_(F) from the manufacturing site 16 ₁ to the manufacturing site 16 ₂.

The storage conveyor 15 connects the second position 13 ₁ of the assembly line 8 to the storage unit 10. The final product M_(F) is transported to the storage unit 10 where the final product may either be stored and/or leave the manufacturing facility 7 (e.g., in order to be delivered to a customer).

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of competing production modules for a manufacturing site.

For example, three different robot arms 20 ₁-20 ₃ that are configured to weld two work pieces with each other may compete with each other for selecting and disposing for performing a production step at the manufacturing site 16 ₃. The robot arms 20 ₁ and 20 ₂ may be of similar size, while robot arm 20 ₃ may be bigger. Despite of the similar size, the robot arms 20 ₁ and 20 ₂ may perform with different qualities (e.g., different accuracies), different error rates, and/or different speeds. The robot arm 20 ₃ may work faster than the robot arms 20 ₁, 20 ₂ but consume more energy, and be more expensive to operate.

During the negotiation process for the production step at the manufacturing site 16 ₃, each of the module parameters, the quality, speed and power consumption, may be multiplied by an individual weighting factor in order to calculate the cost. The robot arm having the minimum calculated cost is selected and disposed for performing the manufacturing step at the manufacturing site 16 ₃.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of competing auxiliary modules for a transportation site.

In FIG. 4, three different auxiliary modules 21 ₁-21 ₃ compete with each other for selecting and disposing for positioning at the transportation site 17. The auxiliary modules 21 ₁, 21 ₂ are conveyor belts of different shapes and lengths. The auxiliary module 21 ₃ is a robot arm having a grappler that is suitable for transporting raw materials, semi-final products and/or final products between the two manufacturing sites 16 ₁, 16 ₂.

A negotiation process is executed for the transportation. The auxiliary module having the minimal calculated cost from the negotiation process is selected and disposed for positioning at the transportation site 17.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a product 2 ₂.

The product 2 ₂ includes a base plate 2 ₃ that is, for example, located horizontally on top of a ground. A pole 2 ₄ is located at the center of the base plate 2 ₃ and arranged vertically so as to stand perpendicular to the base plate 2 ₃. The base plate 2 ₃ and the pole 2 ₄ may be pre-produced and/or provided by the supply unit 9.

The product plan for manufacturing the product 2 ₂ includes four circular discs 25 ₁-25 ₄, each disc having a different diameter from the other discs. All four discs 25 ₁-25 ₄ have a fixed thickness. Further, all four discs 25 ₁-25 ₄ have a circular opening at the center with a fixed hole diameter. The discs 25 ₁-25 ₄ are arranged parallel to one another on top of the base plate 2 ₃ such that the circular holes at the center of the disks 25 ₁-25 ₄ are penetrated by the pole 2 ₄. The production plan provides that the discs 25 ₁-25 ₄ are placed on top of the base plate 2 ₃ such that a disc diameter of the discs 25 ₁-25 ₄ decreases from the bottom upwards.

The production plan may include four different production steps 2 ₁-2 ₄, where each production step is configured to manufacture one of the discs 25 ₁-25 ₄. For example, a manufacturing order (e.g., an order in which the production steps are performed) is included in the production plan.

Each of the production steps 2 ₁-2 ₄ for manufacturing the discs 25 ₁-25 ₄ may include the production services of: shaping a circular disc having the fixed thickness and an individual disc diameter and drilling a hole having the fixed hole diameter at the center of the circular disc.

For each of the production steps 2 ₁-2 ₄, a mill and a drill are used for shaping the circular disc and for drilling a hole, respectively.

A plurality of mills may be provided in a mill pool 11 _(M), and a plurality of drills may be provided in a drill pool 11 _(D). Each mill and drill has an individual operation parameters (e.g., a precision, an accuracy, an error rate, an operation speed, an energy consumption, a maintaining cost, etc.), and self-submits the operation parameters to a control unit in a regular time interval.

After receiving the production plan including the production steps, the control unit designates those mills and drills out of the respective pools that are capable of performing the services to be provided. One of the designated mills and drills are then selected in a negotiation process for performing the respective production service.

Additionally, manufacturing the product may use four different transportation steps, for example if the base plate 2 ₃ and the pole 2 ₄ are located at an assembly site that is spaced from the manufacturing sites where the discs 25 ₁-25 ₄ are manufactured. For example, one transportation step may be used after each manufacturing step. For manufacturing the product 2 ₂, the manufactured discs 25 ₁-25 ₄ are to be placed on top of the base plate 2 ₃ in the following order: 25 ₁-25 ₂-25 ₃-25 ₄.

FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a product according to a production plan. The acts may be understood as computer readable program instructions or program modules, routines, or a set of instructions.

At act S₁, a plurality of production modules are provided as production resources.

At act S₂, each production module of the plurality of production modules self-submit operation parameters, for example, to a control unit.

At act S₃, a plurality of production steps of the production plan are split into single production steps.

At act S₄, a negotiation process P is executed for each of the single production steps of the production plan.

The negotiation process P includes four acts. At act S₄₁, production modules that are capable of performing the production step are designated.

At act S₄₂, module parameters are assigned to each of the designated production modules.

At act S₄₃, a cost is calculated for each of the designated production modules based on the parameter modules (e.g., multiplied with individual weighting factors).

At act S₄₄, one of the designated production modules is selected for performing the single production step.

At act S₅, the production modules each selected for performing one production step are disposed for performing the respective manufacturing step.

At act S₆, the product is manufactured by performing the manufacturing steps by the disposed production modules.

The disclosed aspects methods and devices for facilitating a manufacturing process may be implemented as a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The flow chart according to FIG. 6 may be implemented as a computer program product including a computer readable storage medium or media (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out embodiments.

It is to be understood that the elements and features recited in the appended claims may be combined in different ways to produce new claims that likewise fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, whereas the dependent claims appended below depend from only a single independent or dependent claim, it is to be understood that these dependent claims may, alternatively, be made to depend in the alternative from any preceding or following claim, whether independent or dependent, and that such new combinations are to be understood as forming a part of the present specification.

While the present invention has been described above by reference to various embodiments, it may be understood that many changes and modifications may be made to the described embodiments. It is therefore intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that all equivalents and/or combinations of embodiments are intended to be included in this description. 

1. A method for manufacturing a product according to a production plan including a plurality of production steps, the method comprising: independently executing a negotiation process for selecting a production module from a plurality of production modules for each production step of the plurality of production steps, wherein the negotiation process comprises: designating one or more production modules from the plurality of production modules that are capable of performing the respective production step; assigning one or more module parameters to the designated one or more production modules; calculating a cost for each of the designated production modules based on the respective one or more module parameters of the respective production module; and selecting one of the designated production modules for performing the respective production step as a function of the calculated cost; disposing the selected production modules, wherein each selected production module is suitable for performing one of the production steps to manufacture the product according to the production plan.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: manufacturing the product by performing the plurality of production steps according to the production plan, wherein each selected production module performs the corresponding production step.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: splitting the plurality of production steps into individual production steps; and simultaneously executing a plurality of negotiation processes, wherein each negotiation process of the plurality of negotiation processes is executed for each individual production step.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: assigning a production time-limit to the production plan; wherein designating production modules comprises designating production modules that are capable of performing the production step within the production time limit.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: altering the production time-limit when the negotiation process outputs a failure signal.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: assigning at least one partial time-limit to at least one production step of the plurality of production steps; wherein designating production modules comprises designating production modules that are capable of performing the production step within the partial time-limit.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the negotiation process further comprises outputting a failure signal when no production module is designated.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the production plan includes a maximum cost, and the negotiation process further comprises outputting a failure signal when the calculated cost for the designated production modules exceeds the maximum cost.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: withdrawing the production plan when the negotiation process outputs the failure signal.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the designated production module comprises selecting a designated production module having a minimum calculated cost.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing, by the plurality of production modules, an availability and the one or more module parameters of each production module of the plurality of production modules.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one production module is selected, disposed, or selected and disposed for performing a plurality of production steps of the production plan.
 13. A manufacturing facility comprising: a plurality of production modules, wherein each production module of the plurality of production modules includes one or more module parameters; a production input configured to receive a production plan for manufacturing a product, the production plan including a plurality of production steps; and a controller configured to execute a plurality of negotiation processes, each negotiation process of the plurality of negotiation processes being executed for selecting one production module of the plurality of production modules for performing a production step of the plurality of production steps, wherein each production module of the plurality of production modules is configured to submit the one or more module parameters to the controller, and wherein the selected production modules are configured to manufacture the product, the manufacture of the produce comprising performance of the plurality of production steps.
 14. The manufacturing facility of claim 13, further comprising: a multiplexer device configured to split the plurality of production steps of the production plan into individual production steps and input the individual production steps to the controller.
 15. The manufacturing facility of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to execute the plurality of negotiation processes according to a double auction.
 16. A device for selecting a production plan for manufacturing a product, the device comprising: a memory configured to store one or more module parameters for a plurality of production modules; and a processor configured to execute a negotiation process for selecting a production module from a plurality of production modules for each production step of the plurality of production steps, wherein the negotiation process comprises: designation of one or more production modules that are capable of performing the production step from the plurality of production modules; assignment of the one or more module parameters to the designated one or more production modules; calculation of a cost for each of the designated production modules based on the respective one or more module parameters of the respective production module; and selection of one of the designated production modules for performing the production step as a function of the calculated cost, wherein each selected production module is suitable for performing one of the production steps to manufacture the product according to the production plan.
 17. The device of claim 16, further comprising: a transmitter configured to transmit the corresponding production step to the respective selected production module in order to manufacture the product.
 18. The device of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: split the plurality of production into individual production steps; and simultaneously execute a plurality of negotiation processes, wherein each negotiation process of the plurality of negotiation processes is executed for each individual production step.
 19. The device of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to: assign a production time-limit to the production plan, wherein the designation of the production modules comprises designation of production modules that are capable of performing the production step within the production time limit.
 20. The device of claim 16, wherein the processor if further configured to: alter the production time limit when the negotiation process outputs a failure signal. 